The People Behind Calypso Connections
Jen Cohen
Director
Jen Cohen
Director
Jen Cohen (B.F.A. SUNY Purchase, M.Ed. University of Vermont) is a classically trained pianist and violist. During her 30 years experience as a performer and educator she has seen firsthand how the transformative power of collaborative music making can be used to achieve outstanding results.
Jen started Calypso Connections as a way to bring this transformative experience into the workplace. She chose steel drums because they are easy to play -- absolutely no experience is necessary -- and their sound is relaxing and inviting, like a tropical breeze.
Under Jen's guidance, Calypso participants experience creativity, joy, and camaraderie. Moreover, the parallels between successful music- making and effective business practice reveal themselves throughout the process, paving the way for genuine team building and innovation.
Gary Meitrott
Workshop Leader
Gary Meitrott
Workshop Leader
Gary Meitrott is the founder of Drum Journeys of Earth, a hand-percussion school teaching numerous styles of ethnic drumming for over 25 years in Rutland, VT. Gary comes from a strong theatrical background from Broadway to touring the country, which combined with his passion for percussion sets in motion a palpable sense of something about to happen. Gary’s enthusiasm offers an enjoyable ride for all who decide to take the trip!
Krista Johnston
Social Media Manager
Krista Johnston
Social Media Manager
Krista Johnston comes to Calypso Connections from an arts and education background, which she draws upon to generate effective social media content. As a creative professional, muralist, artist and naturalist, Krista inspires people to think outside the box and challenge one another in supportive and scientific ways. A knack for problem solving combined with a great sense of humor give Krista an edge when it comes to helping people find collaborative solutions.
Barry Cohen
Calypso Workshop Developer
Barry Cohen
Calypso Workshop Developer
Barry Cohen is uniquely qualified to design methodology for improving processes in the workplace. In both of his professions – a freelance court reporter and a bassoonist – he has become an expert in the art of listening. Barry has designed activities to practice and improve listening skills. This will help team members as they play music together. More importantly, it will help them as they work together to frame issues quickly, agree on a game plan, and move the process forward in their work environment.
FROM OUR BLOG
The Power of a Positive Culture
A few weeks ago I had a great day at dealer.com, where I led musical team building workshops for six teams. In total, I taught steel drumming to about 40 people, all of whom were open to learning and engaged in the creative process. On the dealer.com web page there is a section about the […]
I recently completed a two-week artist-in-residency at the Rutland Intermediate School, teaching over 500 students about the steel pan. It was a great experience, full of insights gained from my interactions with the kids. Here are a few of my take-aways: Use the Energy of your Audience All it takes is one eager participant to […]
Remembering Ellie Mannette, the Stradivarius of Steel
Trinidadian Ellie Mannette passed away on August 29, 2018, at the age of 90. He will fondly be remembered as the Stradivarius of Steel. Mannette was an inventor, innovator, master builder, tuner, teacher and ambassador of the modern steel drum. He was the first to “sink” the surface of the drum. He shaped convex notes […]